Applied Music Lessons in an Online Environment Using Desktop Videoconferencing

This study investigated the use of desktop videoconferencing to conduct applied music lessons between three experienced pre-service music education majors and six middle school band students. Primary questions of research centered on similarities and differences in participant behaviors as they compare to behaviors found in prior investigation of key elements of both traditional applied music lessons and distance learning. Results indicated the frequency of most behavioral occurrences observed in this study remained consistent with those present in traditional applied lessons. Instructors
diagnosed and controlled activity while maintaining positive rapport and adequate
communication of their perceived musical expertise, there was a trend for instructors to model music less frequently, and for all participants to engage in music specific questioning at a higher frequency, than in prior investigations of live lessons. This study suggests that when key factors are considered, desktop videoconferencing, with its ability to provide instantaneous feedback, offers promise as an accessible and fluid tool in substitution of live applied musical instruction.

Autorentext

Keith G. Dye, Ed.D.C.T. Keith G. Dye is Associate Professor of Music Education and Assistant Director of Bands. He holds the Ed.D. in College Teaching of Music from Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, as well as degrees from West Texas State University, Canyon, TX and Morningside College, Sioux City, IA. Dr. Dye''s primary areas of research interest are the effective use of desktop videoconferencing in delivery of instruction and pre-service music educator preparation. At Texas Tech University, Dye teaches classes in Secondary Band Techniques of Instruction, Beginning Band Best Practices, Methodology in College Teaching, and Methods in Education and Music; as well as serving as conductor of the Concert Band and assisting with all athletic bands. In service to the music education community, Dr. Dye is Executive Director of the Texas Tech Band and Orchestra Camp and the Texas Tech Middle School Band Academy. He also holds the position of Executive Director of the Foundation for Music Education, a non-profit organization providing support and resources to pre and early service music educators. Additionally, Dr. Dye serves as an instructional consultant to school districts in Texas. Dr. Dye''s ensembles have earned numerous awards and a reputation for a consistently high level of musical excellence. He has presented clinics on instrumental music education techniques and strategies at state conventions and served as conductor of numerous regional and all-state ensembles. As a clinician, conductor, and adjudicator, Dr. Dye is in demand as a qualified music educator equally at ease with any age level.